Media & Communications Illinois (IL) Rank #24 of 50

Photographer Salary in Illinois

The median photographer salary in Illinois is $38,190 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$38,190
vs National
$-2,010
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Photographer Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level photographer earns around $24,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,250 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,700
$-1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,900
$-2,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,250
$-3,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile IL Salary
10th Percentile $22,800
25th Percentile $28,500
Median (50th) $38,190
75th Percentile $55,100
90th Percentile $77,900

Photographer Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for photographers in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Chicago, IL
$43,014
Pop. 2,693,976 · COL 107%
Aurora, IL
$38,190
Pop. 197,757 · COL 95%
Naperville, IL
$43,416
Pop. 149,540 · COL 108%
Rockford, IL
$32,964
Pop. 148,655 · COL 82%
Springfield, IL
$34,170
Pop. 114,394 · COL 85%

How to Become a Photographer in Illinois

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Photographer Jobs in Illinois

Browse open photographer positions in Illinois:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Illinois

How much does a Photographer make in Illinois? ▼
The median photographer salary in Illinois is $38,190 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $22,800 (10th percentile) to $77,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Illinois? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,190, a photographer in Illinois earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Illinois a good state for photographers? ▼
Illinois ranks #24 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $24,700, while senior professionals earn $71,250.
How does Illinois compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Illinois's median of $38,190 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($38,994) and Pennsylvania ($38,592).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Illinois? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Illinois earns approximately $24,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $39,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $71,250.
What city in Illinois pays photographers the most? ▼
Naperville is the highest paying city in Illinois for photographers, with a median salary of $43,416. Other cities include Chicago and Aurora.